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SSGT LaFrance L. Colbert, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the Army Reserve passed away January 7, 2025.
He attended Drew Central and Monticello High Schools. He served as Valedictorian of his 8th grade graduation class and graduated from Drew High School in May of 1969. He attended Pines Vo Tech School (now Southeast Arkansas College) and several other training schools. On May 15, 1971, LaFrance united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Alvia Louise Moore who loved and cherished him until his departure from this life.
At age 19 on September 10, 1973, LaFrance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from basic training in Camp Pendleton, CA on February 15, 1974. As part of this service, he served as a color guard where he was part of several military honors ceremonies, parades and civic events. He also had several overseas tours of duty including the Philippine Islands and traveled to Central Europe (Germany). While serving duty as a Marine, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and also trained as a Unit Supply NCO. He served until being honorably discharged on September 9, 1977.
Mr. Colbert later decided to answer the call of duty to his country and enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He served there from February 14, 1984, through December 31, 1999. During this period of service he was awarded the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), Army Achievement Medal, National Service Medal, the Armed Service Reserve Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle bar. During this time of service, he received the rank of Staff Sergeant. SSGT Colbert’s service to our nation exemplified courage and dedication to this nation. He has always put service first! He was a selfless servant and inspired many young men during his time in service and out of service. He is a true American hero and will be greatly missed.
LaFrance was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Chester Street in Monticello, AR until his health failed him. He loved and supported people and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Lee and Lula Belle Colbert; a brother, Jerry Colbert; and two sisters, Evonne Colbert and Linda Faye Merritt.
LaFrance leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 53 years, Alvia L. Colbert of Monticello; three sons, LaFrance L. Colbert, Jr. of Monticello, Brian A. Colbert (Karmesha) of Chattanooga, TN and Jeremy E. Colbert (Stephanie) of Little Rock; a daughter, Denise Haynes of Monticello; two sisters, Janis Phillips of St. Louis, MO and Natarsha Colbert Jordan (Leon) of Stockbridge, GA; two brothers, Joseph Colbert of Monticello and Harlan Colbert (Theda) of Lacey; nine grandchildren, Te Neal Mahan (Matthew), Tyrus Colbert, Aliyah Colbert, Samiya Colbert, Jeremy Colbert, Jr., Ja’ky Colbert, Alvia Marie Colbert, Danielle Ambrose and Alexandria Colbert; four aunts, Mary Childress of Crossett and Carolyn Simmons of Monticello, Cheryl Wilson and Barbara (Bruce) Wesley both of Detroit, MI; two special friends, Ken and Sandra Charles of Monticello; along with a plethora of relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, AR (1501 W. Maryland Avenue). A Repass will be held at Sienna Lake Clubhouse after the funeral service (501 Sienna Lake Drive, Little Rock, AR 72210). You can sign SSGT Colbert’s guestbook registry on this page.
He attended Drew Central and Monticello High Schools. He served as Valedictorian of his 8th grade graduation class and graduated from Drew High School in May of 1969. He attended Pines Vo Tech School (now Southeast Arkansas College) and several other training schools. On May 15, 1971, LaFrance united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Alvia Louise Moore who loved and cherished him until his departure from this life.
At age 19 on September 10, 1973, LaFrance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from basic training in Camp Pendleton, CA on February 15, 1974. As part of this service, he served as a color guard where he was part of several military honors ceremonies, parades and civic events. He also had several overseas tours of duty including the Philippine Islands and traveled to Central Europe (Germany). While serving duty as a Marine, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and also trained as a Unit Supply NCO. He served until being honorably discharged on September 9, 1977.
Mr. Colbert later decided to answer the call of duty to his country and enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He served there from February 14, 1984, through December 31, 1999. During this period of service he was awarded the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), Army Achievement Medal, National Service Medal, the Armed Service Reserve Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle bar. During this time of service, he received the rank of Staff Sergeant. SSGT Colbert’s service to our nation exemplified courage and dedication to this nation. He has always put service first! He was a selfless servant and inspired many young men during his time in service and out of service. He is a true American hero and will be greatly missed.
LaFrance was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Chester Street in Monticello, AR until his health failed him. He loved and supported people and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Lee and Lula Belle Colbert; a brother, Jerry Colbert; and two sisters, Evonne Colbert and Linda Faye Merritt.
LaFrance leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 53 years, Alvia L. Colbert of Monticello; three sons, LaFrance L. Colbert, Jr. of Monticello, Brian A. Colbert (Karmesha) of Chattanooga, TN and Jeremy E. Colbert (Stephanie) of Little Rock; a daughter, Denise Haynes of Monticello; two sisters, Janis Phillips of St. Louis, MO and Natarsha Colbert Jordan (Leon) of Stockbridge, GA; two brothers, Joseph Colbert of Monticello and Harlan Colbert (Theda) of Lacey; nine grandchildren, Te Neal Mahan (Matthew), Tyrus Colbert, Aliyah Colbert, Samiya Colbert, Jeremy Colbert, Jr., Ja’ky Colbert, Alvia Marie Colbert, Danielle Ambrose and Alexandria Colbert; four aunts, Mary Childress of Crossett and Carolyn Simmons of Monticello, Cheryl Wilson and Barbara (Bruce) Wesley both of Detroit, MI; two special friends, Ken and Sandra Charles of Monticello; along with a plethora of relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, AR (1501 W. Maryland Avenue). A Repass will be held at Sienna Lake Clubhouse after the funeral service (501 Sienna Lake Drive, Little Rock, AR 72210). You can sign SSGT Colbert’s guestbook registry on this page.